The Society was established for the public benefit of St Ives and to:

Encourage high standards of architecture and planning in the town.

Stimulate public interest in and care for the beauty, history and character of St Ives.

Encourage the preservation, development and improvement of features of general public amenity or historic interest in the town 

The Civic Society was formed in 1968 to fight the proposed plans to route the St Ives Bypass down Ramsey Road, across the Waits and Ingle Holt Island and then across the river to Hemingford Meadow. The siting of the St Ives bypass as it is today is as a result of our early campaigns. Since that time our interests have been many and varied. We continue to try and influence what happens in and around the town and work together with the Town Council and other organisations on matters of common interest.

Our membership continues to grow and presently stands at just over 400 households (over 600 individuals)

We also arrange visits and take a lead in organising the annual Heritage Open Days. For further details visit the Civic Trust web site.